I have a 2 1/2 yo and 6 mon old right now. My husband and I are seriously considering homeschooling and will probably go that way. We're still in the learning process. I was just wondering if it goes against the homeschooling philosophy to send our 2 1/2 yo to a class once or twice a week for about an hour each time? Honestly, we don't have any family around and I NEED a break right now and figured he would enjoy it as well. HELP!

I think there are many "homeschooling philosophies". I sent both of my children to pre-school two days a week, 2 hours a session before I started homeschooling kindergarten. My homeschooling philosophy is to do what works well for my family. So if you want to send your child to a class a couple days a week, and it feels right to you, my philosophy says to do it

It probably won't hurt, just probably won't help a huge amount either from an educational perspective. Sounds more like you're looking for daycare than education per se._________________Homeschool Articles - Events - Support Groups

I agree with Theodore with the thought that maybe you are just needing a baby sitter. I was the teacher of a 3 yr old Kindergarten class right out of high school, and although the children did learn the colors, shapes, a few numbers and letters, I don't think that I was anything other than a glorified baby sitter/ good influence! _________________Homeschooling four
with the help of Mom SCHOOL
and staying healthy with Mom FITNESS!

I think starting your child earlier is better. It gives them a headstart and makes the learning more natural. There are a lot of philosophies that believe that waiting until a child turns 5 is too late. You will want to look at different development philosophies for children at this age to see how it will impact them._________________Brainboosters